I don’t like Miami. For those of you who have read this blog in the past, you probably know that already. I have to go there several times a year on business, and it always fails to impress. I can see why some people are really drawn to the city, and why they so badly crave a trip to this vacation hotspot. Beaches, sunshine and bikinis with a material deficiency can be fairly alluring. If a person were to fly directly into South Beach and venture no farther than the sandy paradise that awaits the sunscreen-lathered tourist, it might seem like just that – a paradise.
The problem is, I never get to see that side of the city. The side I get to see is similar to the side of a dog you wouldn’t want to touch right after he comes back in from a trip to the yard. Actually, those of you without serious mental disorders probably wouldn’t want to touch that side ever.
Ever…
No, the part of the city I always get to see consists primarily of cement and overcrowding. Parts of the city are, not unlike other large cities, unimaginably dirty and run-down. Sure, it has its well-polished areas filled with high-end retail shops and restaurants that require a current financial statement for entry, but what tourist trap can’t boast such offerings? There are beautiful beaches all over this country, many of which can be accessed without first having to drive through a concrete torture chamber. Destin Florida, for example, is a beautiful area with plenty of upscale shopping, fine dining and sunshine. The human-to-concrete ratio is acceptably low and you don’t get the feeling that someone is going to jump out from behind a well-groomed palm tree and take all your money.
Anyway, I decided to rant about Miami today because it’s once again time for me to visit the capital of tropical fail. The Miami International Boat Show starts this Thursday, and virtually everyone in the boating industry is getting ready to storm the gates. Miami is overcrowded to start with, so the area surrounding the convention center can closely resemble an anthill during an event like the boat show. Not a peaceful, undamaged anthill full of unseen ants, but an anthill that just got clobbered by a lawnmower.
I of course mean no offence to those who reside in or wish to reside in the city of Miami. I simply do not like overcrowded cities, whether they’re located in a tropical “paradise”, nestled between a couple of mountains or protruding like a glowing pimple from the desert. Neither do I care much for an overabundance of isolation these days. Somewhere in-between is usually where I like to find myself.
Short entry today. I have a lot to do before hitting the road tomorrow, and as always, not enough time in which to get it all done.
